I hope Gutierrez and Bins can have a healthy season. I like aspects of their game, maybe next year we won't sign a close to retirement vet, and have some depth.
I liked Delay last year, especially with the other pitchers. Abrahan has crushed some shots. Bins has looked good. Henry looks like the guy we all hoped for. Not to mention we still have Ali Sanchez and Yasmani Grandal. Then when we get Endy comes back next year, I think we might have some depth there.
Trying and thinking too much is my guess. First time that he has gone through Major League camp healthy and thinking that he feels he has to impress with everything and therefore he ends up booting things. He will get there.
It was at critical part of the game 9th inning, 2 out, immediately after mound visit. Game tied. Go ahead runs on base. If you're not focused on that ground ball???? Pressure of the situation maybe.
I saw Hannah Mears on Big 10 wrestling yesterday, she does great interviews! But Brault has a good skill set too....really strong considering he's interviewing his former teammates.....that ain't easy to just switch modes.
That’s a good point. A big part of this is on Cruz and handling the possible change with maturity. But the organization really should have taken a harder stance with him rather than the half-assed attempt to put him out there when he’s on the doorstep of the majors. But then when you see how they followed that up with their treatment of Davis last year, it’s no surprise since they handled Cruz similarly.
I like 1979andCounting's thought. Live with the -1 WAR on defense (assuming it isn't much worse). A bat like that at SS is such a huge advantage as (not saying the Pirate have done this) finding bats at other positions should be easier. When you have a 45 WAR(exaggeration for fun) playing next to him at 3B you can take some risks on D. I don't think he lasts 5+ years at short but take advantage of it while they can.
The game has shifted over the years that some of your best hitters are now playing shortstop. I think the 10th best hitting shortstop my be better offensively than the 10th best hitting first baseman.
The 10th best qualified SS last year was Orlando Arcia, just below league average at 99 wRC+.
That's worse than what our Pittsburgh Pirates collectively got out of first base last year (101 wRC+) with barn burners like Carlos Santana and Connor Joe. The Pirates ranked 21st in all of baseball at the position.
The game has shifted over the years when guys like Ozzie, Vizquel and defense was the main priority for a shortstop. Currently I think it is pretty close. The very generic WAR rated first basemen last year(9 thru 14) were Drury, Steer, Lowe, Wade, Santana, Torkelson. At shortstop(9 thru 14). I see bigger upside with guys like Trea Turner, Willy Adames, Jeremy Pena, CJ Abrams.
Where it isn't close at all are the top prospects coming out of high school and college. I think there are 6 shortstops before a first baseman. Whiel 10 shortsops before you find your second rated first baseman. It will be interesting to see if these guys stay in the middle infield and how many move to outfield. There is a trend though. Check it out.
I hear you but the presumption of defensive value at a premium position is precisely what elevates those players and prospects over their first base peers. It's about defense, not about offense.
I agree that there has been a slight shift towards higher-powered shortstops but that's like 30 years old at this point. The shortstop class of 20 years ago had just as many above-average hitters as the modern game.
That’s because every great prospect in HS plays short. They’re the best player on their team, and the best player almost always plays short. It’s always been that way, that’s not a mystery.
What if he was ++WAR at first though? The guy has IF defensive skills off the charts compared to most big men who are converted catchers or outfielders.
Well... the Pirates waited until he was on the cusp of moving from the minors to the majors to tell him to change positions. If I were Cruz, I would tell them to suck a raw egg at that point too. It would seem to me that they were trying to manipulate my service time and hold me back from the majors. This all should have happened 2-3 years ago... but they don't have coaches any more.... they have guidance counselors apparently.
Fair point and his wingspan alone will save some throws (having him play first for himself could be helpful!). I just see the delta between the offense he hopefully provides and the typical SS being potentially great while at first base (Pirates excluded) you tend to already have plus offense or at least in theory have more options to fill it with plus offense.
It's Spring, and I'm setting myself up for disappointment, but you can imagine plausible scenarios in which this is a pretty good offensive team. If only they had a competent firtbasement I'd be down right confident in it.
This is also why Ben's inaction on the rotation is so frustrating--it's easy to see the core of a good team with the main thing holding them back being a rotation that has Mitch and a bunch of guys who shouldn't be considered as anything more than #4/5's.
I agree. I've been bitching about all offseason. Tons of mid-rotation, reasonably priced starters this Spring, the type the Pirates certainly could sign (well, they could sign bigger names too, but that's a different story), and BC just refused to do it.
Sure is fun to see our big sticks (Cruz, Reynolds, Hayes, and Davis) hitting bombs. Hopefully they can carry it with them when the lights come on for real.
Can't fall behind 2-0 with bases loaded and then groove FB right down the middle. Maybe some fatigue but he still needs location, location, location at all times.
McKechnie Field is so crazy. Spring Training is always a bombfest for hitters and then the wind just dies and humidity sets in, then the Low-A players could crush balls just as hard as these guys all spring and they die at the warning track. If there was a winter league at McKenchie, it would be known as a hitter-friendly park. There's nothing friendly about it once late April/May starts.
My one wish for today is Ashcraft to be scheduled for more than one inning. I really want him to stay as a starter candidate and these one inning stints smell of bullpen plans. Since he won't be in the MLB rotation, maybe it is time to ship him out to start building up his innings. Of course he may be throwing simulated innings after he is pulled from these games and building up 'outside of boxscores'.
I think the plan is to keep him as a starter, but he only pitched 52.2 innings last year, so he's going to be limited this year. Might as well start him off slow so he can still be pitching in September without any shutdown. I expect him to go between 80-100 innings, with the final total depending on how hard he works those innings.
That seems to be a situation teams haven’t mastered yet: how to manage a guys innings in three year(s) immediately after TJ surgery. And I mean how to “manage them” in the sense of fitting into a team’s setting.
With the exception of Ali Sanchez, that looks like our most likely regular season lineup. Lotta thump there, and Davis makes it better. Quinn, Roansy and Luis are in a pretty pitched battle for the rotation but I can’t wait to see Eric Lauer on the mound. Was last year just an injury induced aberration or an indication of injury related decline that will continue. At 28 years old there is reason for optimism.
Abrahan Gutierrez, Ben Heller and Michael Plassmeyer have been reassigned to MiL camp.
I hope Gutierrez and Bins can have a healthy season. I like aspects of their game, maybe next year we won't sign a close to retirement vet, and have some depth.
Interesting to see Bins get a couple hits. I've seen him at Pirate City and he's hitting the ball as well as anyone there in the little I've seen.
I liked Delay last year, especially with the other pitchers. Abrahan has crushed some shots. Bins has looked good. Henry looks like the guy we all hoped for. Not to mention we still have Ali Sanchez and Yasmani Grandal. Then when we get Endy comes back next year, I think we might have some depth there.
He’s my dark, dark horse to break out, expected it last year and as you know, he was basically hurt the whole year.
Love these upper-minor breakout picks!
I thought that as well, he had good at bats during last years spring training. Just needs to stay healthy to find out what he has.
Interesting he was the DH. Somebody else must have noticed too.
Palacios was supposed to DH but was sick so Bins got the nod. He did great.
Tell him to leave his shotgun at home and bring the sniper rifle next time.
Jared Jones' zone map is like one of those drawings where you have to stare cross-eyed in order to make anything out of it.
Mlod with a strong comeback to the lead off double.
I love his work ethic and confidence he brings to the game.
Geesh Termarr! I mean there aren't any easier ground balls than that one.
He definitely needs to work on his defense.
Trying and thinking too much is my guess. First time that he has gone through Major League camp healthy and thinking that he feels he has to impress with everything and therefore he ends up booting things. He will get there.
Liover/Oneil vibes. Kids gotta grow up and learn to focus.
I think it is just a lack of focus coming from a 19 year old.
bingo.
It was at critical part of the game 9th inning, 2 out, immediately after mound visit. Game tied. Go ahead runs on base. If you're not focused on that ground ball???? Pressure of the situation maybe.
I saw Hannah Mears on Big 10 wrestling yesterday, she does great interviews! But Brault has a good skill set too....really strong considering he's interviewing his former teammates.....that ain't easy to just switch modes.
Cruz boots an easy grounder. It's a roller coaster with his bat. 5 WAR offense, -1 WAR defense would be plausible.
That describes a top-5 hitter in all of baseball *and* an improvement over what he's demonstrated on defense to date.
He's just fun to watch. Take the good with the bad.
First base is calling eventually. Wingspan over strong arm and speed is the safest option for him moving forward as long as the bat plays.
That’s a severe overreaction. Basically the argument for him at first base is “he’s tall.” It’s a waste of his athleticism.
I hate to be the one to jump in since I do agree with you, but geez oh man did he look bad in his few outfield reps. He's gotta want it.
That’s a good point. A big part of this is on Cruz and handling the possible change with maturity. But the organization really should have taken a harder stance with him rather than the half-assed attempt to put him out there when he’s on the doorstep of the majors. But then when you see how they followed that up with their treatment of Davis last year, it’s no surprise since they handled Cruz similarly.
I like 1979andCounting's thought. Live with the -1 WAR on defense (assuming it isn't much worse). A bat like that at SS is such a huge advantage as (not saying the Pirate have done this) finding bats at other positions should be easier. When you have a 45 WAR(exaggeration for fun) playing next to him at 3B you can take some risks on D. I don't think he lasts 5+ years at short but take advantage of it while they can.
The game has shifted over the years that some of your best hitters are now playing shortstop. I think the 10th best hitting shortstop my be better offensively than the 10th best hitting first baseman.
Not even close.
The 10th best qualified SS last year was Orlando Arcia, just below league average at 99 wRC+.
That's worse than what our Pittsburgh Pirates collectively got out of first base last year (101 wRC+) with barn burners like Carlos Santana and Connor Joe. The Pirates ranked 21st in all of baseball at the position.
The game has shifted over the years when guys like Ozzie, Vizquel and defense was the main priority for a shortstop. Currently I think it is pretty close. The very generic WAR rated first basemen last year(9 thru 14) were Drury, Steer, Lowe, Wade, Santana, Torkelson. At shortstop(9 thru 14). I see bigger upside with guys like Trea Turner, Willy Adames, Jeremy Pena, CJ Abrams.
Where it isn't close at all are the top prospects coming out of high school and college. I think there are 6 shortstops before a first baseman. Whiel 10 shortsops before you find your second rated first baseman. It will be interesting to see if these guys stay in the middle infield and how many move to outfield. There is a trend though. Check it out.
I hear you but the presumption of defensive value at a premium position is precisely what elevates those players and prospects over their first base peers. It's about defense, not about offense.
I agree that there has been a slight shift towards higher-powered shortstops but that's like 30 years old at this point. The shortstop class of 20 years ago had just as many above-average hitters as the modern game.
That’s because every great prospect in HS plays short. They’re the best player on their team, and the best player almost always plays short. It’s always been that way, that’s not a mystery.
What if he was ++WAR at first though? The guy has IF defensive skills off the charts compared to most big men who are converted catchers or outfielders.
Rather have him in RF.
Mookie went to RF but that's above Cruz' maturity level. Maybe someday, like when someone signs him as a FA and requires switch to OF.
Well... the Pirates waited until he was on the cusp of moving from the minors to the majors to tell him to change positions. If I were Cruz, I would tell them to suck a raw egg at that point too. It would seem to me that they were trying to manipulate my service time and hold me back from the majors. This all should have happened 2-3 years ago... but they don't have coaches any more.... they have guidance counselors apparently.
Agreed but boy do I hope it comes sooner than that.
Fair point and his wingspan alone will save some throws (having him play first for himself could be helpful!). I just see the delta between the offense he hopefully provides and the typical SS being potentially great while at first base (Pirates excluded) you tend to already have plus offense or at least in theory have more options to fill it with plus offense.
It's Spring, and I'm setting myself up for disappointment, but you can imagine plausible scenarios in which this is a pretty good offensive team. If only they had a competent firtbasement I'd be down right confident in it.
This is also why Ben's inaction on the rotation is so frustrating--it's easy to see the core of a good team with the main thing holding them back being a rotation that has Mitch and a bunch of guys who shouldn't be considered as anything more than #4/5's.
Minority Report
They're not wasting $$$ on over-market replacement level pitchers when they have a rotation coming up that needs not to be blocked.
I think by next year, this team is solid.
------------------------
"Please, Jacues! Not this one!"
-Wabbit
#4/5's? You're being too nice there. It's Mitch and a bunch of guys who are no more than AAA guys or candidates for the waiver wire.
I agree. I've been bitching about all offseason. Tons of mid-rotation, reasonably priced starters this Spring, the type the Pirates certainly could sign (well, they could sign bigger names too, but that's a different story), and BC just refused to do it.
Hope Springs Eternal.
Sure is fun to see our big sticks (Cruz, Reynolds, Hayes, and Davis) hitting bombs. Hopefully they can carry it with them when the lights come on for real.
Great game by Priester so far, wish it was against actual major leaguer. Phillies line up seems to be a AAAA at best
You just might have jinxed him, though iirc the main problem last season was second time through the lineup.
I wish it is just a jinx. This is what he did oftentimes last season beginning with game one. Typed so far as a safety net!!!!!
Can't fall behind 2-0 with bases loaded and then groove FB right down the middle. Maybe some fatigue but he still needs location, location, location at all times.
Middle in, 92 mph! Didn’t see it live, but I wonder how far the catcher had to move his glove, and if he didn’t why he agreed to throwing it.
Even though they didn't get the double play it was a great turn from Triolo.
Nice pick off by Priester right after.
Cruz looking pretty good trotting around the bases.
I have said I haven;t seen Cruz run full speed yet all spring. If he keeps doing what he is doing, maybe he won't have to run full speed.
Burg bombers, cannon cockers…..somebody help this ESL fan come up with a ST home run hitting Pirates nickname….
Haines Hoaxes
That one made chuckle!!
The All Or Nothings
The Two True Outcomes
Dude, I’ve been reading you for years.. Your english > 90% of us dopey anglos.
I have my moments! But thanks!
Cannon cockers is my vote…because of the implication.
Dennis!
Is what Marines call the artillery guys. I was an o311, infantry so they call us o3 dumb-dumbs.
McKechnie Field is so crazy. Spring Training is always a bombfest for hitters and then the wind just dies and humidity sets in, then the Low-A players could crush balls just as hard as these guys all spring and they die at the warning track. If there was a winter league at McKenchie, it would be known as a hitter-friendly park. There's nothing friendly about it once late April/May starts.
My one wish for today is Ashcraft to be scheduled for more than one inning. I really want him to stay as a starter candidate and these one inning stints smell of bullpen plans. Since he won't be in the MLB rotation, maybe it is time to ship him out to start building up his innings. Of course he may be throwing simulated innings after he is pulled from these games and building up 'outside of boxscores'.
I think the plan is to keep him as a starter, but he only pitched 52.2 innings last year, so he's going to be limited this year. Might as well start him off slow so he can still be pitching in September without any shutdown. I expect him to go between 80-100 innings, with the final total depending on how hard he works those innings.
That seems to be a situation teams haven’t mastered yet: how to manage a guys innings in three year(s) immediately after TJ surgery. And I mean how to “manage them” in the sense of fitting into a team’s setting.
With the exception of Ali Sanchez, that looks like our most likely regular season lineup. Lotta thump there, and Davis makes it better. Quinn, Roansy and Luis are in a pretty pitched battle for the rotation but I can’t wait to see Eric Lauer on the mound. Was last year just an injury induced aberration or an indication of injury related decline that will continue. At 28 years old there is reason for optimism.